GB2191740A - Working line for motor vehicle body panels - Google Patents

Description

1 GB 2 191740 A SPECIFICATION welding station, the laterial width of the

welding station can be minimised. Thus working can be Working linefor motor vehicle body panels carried out at a high efficiency, and the space occupied bythe working line minimised.

This invention relates to a working line in which 70 For a better understanding of the invention and to welding of side panels for motorvehicle bodies can show howthe same may be carried into effect, be carried out. referencewill now be made, byway of example,to It has been proposed that a working line in which the accompanying drawings, in which:- motorvehicle body side panels arewelded includes Figure 1 is a top plan view of a pairof working a carrierwhich is reciprocable between a setting 75 lines, disposed in parallel with one another, in which station and a welding station further along the line. welding of motorvehicle body side panels can be Atthe setting station, component parts which areto carried out; constitute a side panel are set on a setting on the Figure2 is a top plan view on a larger scale of one carrier so that the side panel composed of these of the working lines of Figure 1; component parts is disposed in a horizontal posture. 80 Figure3 is a side view of the working line of Figure Atthewelding station, these component parts are 2,taken on line 111-111 in Figure 2; welded togetherso asto beformed into a welded Figure4is a frontview of setting station, side panel, thewelding operation being effected by illustrating setting, on a setting jig, component parts welding robots disposed on both sides of the of a side panel and viewed on line IV-1V in Figure 3; welding station. Herein, references to the sides of 85 Figure 5 is a front view of a welding station, atthe stations, and to the sides (outside and inside) of the time of transferring a welded side panel to a working line as a whole, are referencesto discharging jig, viewed on line M in Figure 3; dispositions that are lateral of the stations, orthe Figure 6is a froffiview of the welding station atthe working line, as viewed from above. time of transferring a welded side panel to holding It has been also hitherto proposed thatthere is 90 members; provided a sealing station afterthe welding station, Figure 7is a frontview of a sealing station atthe and a discharging carrier which is reciprocable time of transferring the welded side panel to a between these two stations and which has a sealing jig, viewed on line VII-VII in Figure 3; receiving jig for receiving the side panel after Figure 8 is a front view of the setting station as welding has been completed and in its horizontal 95 seen in Figure 4 buttaken atthetime of replacing of posture. Atthe sealing station the side panel has the setting jig; applied to it a sealing agent by sealing agent Figure 9 is a side view on a larger scale of a carrier application robots disposed on both sidesthereof. for carrying set component parts of a panel,viewed These proposals involve inconveniences in that, from line IX-1X in Figure 4; sincethe side panel components are set on the 100 Figures 10a, 10b and 10care sectional views taken setting jig in horizontal posture, the setting work, at along line X-X in Figure 9, showing operative the setting station, has to be carried out underthe conditions of an X link mechanism at an advanced condition that a worker leans forward overthe end position, an intermediate position and a setting jig, so that setting is difficult. Additionally, retracted end position of the setting jig; since, atthe welding station or atthe sealing station, 105 Figure 11 is a sectional viewtaken along line XI-Xl thewelding robots orthe application robots are in Figure 9; disposed on both sides of the railway forthe carrier, Figure 12 is a sectional viewtaken along line XIM11 these stations are comparatively large in their lateral in Figure 9; widths and the space occupied bytheworking lines Figure 13 is a sectional view on a larger scale of a is increased. 110 slide support point portion of the X link mechanism, According to the present invention there is taken along line X111-Xlil in Figure 1 Oa; provided a working linefor motorvehicle body Figure 14 is a sectional viewtaken along line panels, comprising a setting station and a welding XIV-XIV in Figure 13; station there being associated with the setting Figure 15 is a sectional view taken along line station a carrier bearing a setting jig on which 115 MXV in Figure 111; component parts of a motorvehicle body panel are Figure 16 is a sectional viewtaken along line settable in upright posture from one side, this carrier XVI-M in Figure 12; being reciprocable betweenthe setting station and Figure 17is a sectional viewon a largerscale of a thewelding station, holding membersforthe moving mechanism of a discharging jig,taken along component parts and welding robots being so 120 the line XVI1-XVII in Figure 3; provided atthe welding station positioned on one Figure 18 is a sideview of the moving mechanism side of a railwayforthe carrierso that, atthe welding viewed along an X axis as depicted in Figure 17; and station,the component parts on the setting jig may Figure 19 is a top plan view of the moving betransferred, remaining in upright posture, to the mechanism viewed along a Y axis as depicted in holding members. In this working line the work of 125 Figure 17.

setting the components of the side panel on the Referring to the drawings, andfirstto Figure 1, setting jig is facilitated as the set side panel symbols L denote the two working lines in which components are disposed in upright posture. side panels W (Figure 3) can be welded. The two lines Furthermore, as the holding members and the are parallel with one another and welding of the side welding robots are provided on one side only of the 130 panels W is carried out in each of them.

2 GB 2 191 740 A 2 Each working line L is provided, along the line in forconveying the carrier 5, a pinion 5b (Figure 8) the direction in which side panels passtherealong, mounted on an output shaft of the motor 5a being with a setting station 1, a welding station 2, and a meshed with a rack 5cfixed to the carrier 5 so that, by sealing station 3, in this order, as shown in Figures 2 forward and reverse rotation of the motor 5a, the and 3. Carrier 5 is reciprocable between the setting 70 carrier 5 may be reciprocated between the setstation station 1 and the welding station 2 on rails 4a, 4a of a 1 and the welding station 2.

first railway 4 extending between the two stations 1 Numeral 10 denotes a discharging carrier which is and 2. On this carrier 5 is loaded a setting jig 6 on reciprocable between the welding station 2 and the which, as shown in Figure 4, the component parts of sealing station 3. Discharging jig 11 for receiving the each side panel W, such as an outer panel and 75 finished, welded, side panel W from the holding various inner members are set in the jig 6, in the members 7 in its upright posture is mounted on the arrangement of two lines as shown, from the outer discharging carrier 10.

side where the space between the two working lines The discharging carrier 10 is supported on rails L, L is considered as the inside. Holding members 7 12a, 12a of a second railway 12 which is offset to the for holding the side panel component parts, and 80 outside in relation to the first railway 4, and which is welding robots 8,8', are provided atthe welding connected through a connecting frame 13 to the station 2, positioned on the outside of the first carrier 5 so that in accordance with the reciprocating railway4 so that, atthewelding station 2, the side movement of the carrier 5, the discharging carrier 10 panel components parts set on the setting jig 6 may is reciprocated between the welding station 2 and betransferred, in their upright postures, to the 85 the sealing station 3 along the second railway 12. The holding members 7. rail 4a on the outside of the first railway 4 and the rail In more detail, a machine frame 9 is disposed 12a on the inside of the second railway 12 areformed outsidethe first railway 4 of the welding station 2. by a common single rail.

Clamp-type holding members 7 for holding the side Atthe sealing station 3, an application robot 14 panel component parts at several desired positions 90 having a sealing agent applying nozzle 14a attached are attached to upper and lowersides of an inside thereto is positioned outside the second railway 12.

portion of the machine frame 9. A pair of hanging The sealing jig 15 for holding the side panel W is welding robots 8,8 is disposed on a ceiling portion of positioned opposite the applying robot 14, the side the machine frame 9, and a pair of upstanding panel W on the discharging jig 11 being transferred, welding robots 8', Wis disposed on a lower portion 95 as it is in its upright posture, to the sealing jig 15. In thereof. The setting jig 6 is so supported, at itsjig more detail, a guide frame 1 Oa provided outside the base 6a, through X link mechanism 16 on the carrier discharging carrier 10 extends downwards as to be movable to advance and retreat laterally. therefrom. A supporting frame 17 that supports the After moving the carrier 5 to the welding station 2, discharging jig 11 so thatthe discharging jig 11 is the setting jig 6 is advanced laterally outwards bythe 100 movable, through its jig base 11 a, to advance and X link mechanism 16, as shown in Figure 6, so that retreat laterally, is itself so supported on the guide the side panel component parts may be held bythe frame 1 Oa as to be movable upwards and downward, holding members 7. Underthis held condition a as described hereinafter. Thus, the discharging jig 11 temporary welding of the outer panel and the inner maybe given lateral advancing and retreating members of the side panel is carried out bythe 105 movements (moving on the frame 17) and elevating respective welding robots 8,8,8', W. Thereafter and lowering movements (caused by movement of clamps 6b provided on the setting jig 6 are opened the supporting frame 17).

and the setting jig 6 is then withdrawn laterally Thus, after backward movement of the inwards, so that transferring of the temporarily discharging carrier 10 to the welding station 2, the welded side panel W to the holding members 7 is 110 discharging jig 11 is advanced laterally outwards as performed, and thereafterthe carrier 5 is moved back shown in Figure 5, and the side panel W held bythe to the set station 1, and atthe same time, the side holding members 7 becomes positioned to be held panel W held bythe holding members 7 has by clamps 11 b provided on the jig 11. The clamps additional welding applied thereto bythe respective 11 b are closed, the holding members 7 are opened welding robots 8,8,8', W. 115 and thejig 11 is retreated inwards, and thus Each hanging welding robot 8, has a robot main receiving the side panel W bythejig 11 is completed.

body 8b that is laterally movable supported on a Afterforward movement of the discharging carrier frame base 8a which is so provided on the ceiling 10 to the sealing station 3, the jig 11 is advanced portion of the machine frame 9 as to be movable inwards and is moved upwards, and at the elevated forward and rearward. Awelding gun 8e is attached 120 position thereof, as shown in Figure 7, the side panel to a wrist portion 8d provided on a lower end of a W is held by holding members 15a such as clamps or robot arm 8c which is so provided on the main body otherworkpiece receiving members provided on the 8b as to be movable upward and downward. Each sealing jig 15. Then, after opening of the clamps 11 b upstanding welding gun Whas a robot main body 8% of the jig 11, thejig 11 is retreated outwards and is that is laterally movably supported on a slide base 125 lowered, so thatthe jig 11 is removed to a position Wa which is movable forward and rearward. A belowthe side panel W held by the sealing jig 15, and welding gun We is attached through a wrist portion sealing agent can be applied to the panel W without 8'd to a forward end of a swingable robot arm Wc being obstructed by the jig 11.

extending from the main body 81. The sealing jig 15 has a slide base 15c which is Further in the Figures, numeral 5a denotes a motor 130movable on a machine base 15b so as to advance 3 GB 2 191 740 A 3 and retreat laterally and is so turnable about a shaft movements of the setting jig 6 in the lateral direction 15e by a cylinder 15d of a piston and cylinder itwould be possible so to supportthejig base 6a of arrangement asto be changed over between a the setting jig 6 on the carrier 5, for examplethrough sideways directed position and an upwards directed a guide member such as a guide bar ora guide rail, position. In thisway sealing agentcan be appliedto 70 asto be slidable in the lateral direction. However, in the side panel W by advancing and retreating thejig such a caseJor preventing the setting jig 6from and additionally byturning thejig 15 moving unsteadily, itwould be necessaryto attach synchronously with the applying robot 14. the guide memberto the carrier 5 using an attaching The discharging jig 11 which is for holding the frame of high rigidity, with the result that the whole completed, welded, side panel W is smaller in size 75 construction including not only the guide member than the setting jig 6 whih has to hold and set in but also the attaching frame would become large in position the outer panel and the various kinds of size and weight, so that the movability of the carrier inner members. Accordinglythe discharging carrier would be lowered. Additionally itcould happen that can be small-sized and the second railway 12 can material scattered bywelding would become be of narrowwidth, and thus even though the 80 adhered to the guide memberto hamper movement second railway 12 is displaced to the outsidefrom of the setting jig 6. In contrastwhere, as in the thefirst railway4, the overall increase in the lateral presentworking line,the setting jig 6 is supportedto width of the working line Lcaused thereby isslight. be movable laterally bythe X link mechanism 16 as Indeed, bythis displacement, it becomes possiblefor described above, the inconveniences just discussed the sealing jig 15to be positioned on the second 85 are avoided.

railway 12 so thatthe sealing station 3 is contained in The lateral direction moving locus of the setting jig a long space extending ahead of theforward end of 6 is not horizontal but is inclined in the upperand thefirst railway4, and the advantageous effect of the lower directions. The construction of the X link minimising of the lateral width becomes noticeably mechanism 16will now be described assuming that larger. The lateral width of the whole of theworking 90 theforward and backward moving locus of the line L is decreased as much as possible. setting jig 6 is considered to be an X axis, and the The entire operation of the working line is as lateral outside is a forward side along the X axis.

follows:- The X link mechanism 16 is interposed between Firstly, atthe setting station 1, the component thejig base 6a and a link base 18 which is so parts of one side panel Wto be welded are set on the 95 provided on the carrier 5 as to be oppositethe rear, carrier 5. Atthe sametime, atthe welding station 2, a along the X axis, of the base 6a. Adriving cylinder 19 preceding, nowwelded, side panel W is received by of a piston and cylinder arrangement which can be the discharging jig 11 on the discharging carrier 10. expanded and contracted along the X axis is Thereafter, the carrier 5 is moved forward to the provided between the rear, along the X axis, of the welding station 2, and the discharging carrier 10 is 100 link base 18 of the setting carrier 5 and the jig base 6a moved forward to the sealing station 3. so that, by expansion and contraction movements Atthe welding station 2, the temporarily welded along the X axis of the X link mechanism 16 caused side panel W on the setting jig 6 istransferred tothe by operation of the cylinder 19,the setting jig 6 is holding members7 provided on the station 2, and advanced and retreated along the X axis.

additional welding of this side panel W isthen 105 In the illustrated example, as shown in Figure 9, carried out. Atthe same time, atthe sealing station 3, two X link mechanisms 16 and link bases 18 are so the preceding side panel W on the discharging jig 11 disposed thatthose 16,18 on one side and those 16, istransferred to the sealing jig 15 and sealing agent 18 on the other side are spaced apartfrom one is applied thereto, Afterthe transfer operation 1,the another in the left and right directions as shown in discharging carrier 10 is moved backto the welding 110 the Figure. Each X link mechanism 16,16 isformed station 2, and the nextside panel component partsto by a pair of spaced- apart first links 20,20 and an bewelded are set on the setting jig 6. By repeating intermediate second link 21 therebetween, these theforegoing operations, welding and sealing of links being pivotally attached to one anotherthrough side panels W is carried out in sequence. a longitudinal intermediate common shaft 22. As The space between the parallel working lines L, L 115 shown in Figures 9 and 10, each first link 20 is serves as a working space for replacement of jigs to pivotal ly attached, through a fixed support point 20a accommodate, for example, a model change. The of a lower end thereof, to the link base 18, and is arrangementthat the welding equipment is placed pivotally attached, through a slide support point 20b on the outside of the welding station, and the of an upper end thereof, to the jig base 6a.

respective reciprocations of the carrier 5 and the 120 Additionally each second link 21 is pivotally discharging carrier 10 are carried out on the inside attached, through a fixed support point 21 a of a thereof, and additionally positioning of the sealing lower end thereof, to the jig base 6a, and is pivotally jig 15 on the inside, makes it easy to replace the attached, through a slide support point 21 b of an setting jig 6, the discharging jig 11 and the sealing jig upper end thereof, to the link base 18. In accordance 15. 125 with expansion and contraction movements of the X Next a mechanism for moving the setting jig 6 in link mechanism along the X axis, the respective slide the lateral direction, and a mechanism for moving support points 20b, 21 b are moved to slide along the the discharging jig 11 upwards and downwards and Y axis crossing at right angles the X axis.

in the lateral direction will be described in detail. A proposed X link mechanism is so arranged that a In orderto achieve advance and retreat 130 slide support point of each linkthereof is formed bya 4 GB 2 191 740 A 4 rollershaftof a guide rollermounted in a long along the X axis therefrom, the setting jig 6 maybe opening made in each base. This arrangement, advanced and retreated to the advanced end position however, is inconvenient because the outer of the moving stroke thereof as shown in Figure 1 Oa circumferential surface of the guide roller is in linear and the retreated end position thereof shown in contactwith the innersurface of the long opening, 70 Figure 1 Oc, respectively. Thusthe distance between and if a heavyweight (such asthe setting jig 6) is thefixed support points 20a, 21 a and that between carried thereby the contact pressure between the the slide support points 20b, 21 b in the advanced long opening and the guide roller become so large condition of the setjig 6 can be made as small as C12, thatthe long opening and the guide roller are liable assuming that the whole length of the moving stroke to be worn bythe largefriction therebetween. Thus 75 is t, and a shape formed by lines connecting durability thereof is poor and in addition, in orderto between these support points is a rectangle flat in the achieve a smooth rolling movement of the guide X axial direction, so thatthe supporting rigidity of the roller, it is necessaryto make the width of the long setting jig 6 can be heightened, and consequentlythe opening largerthan the outer diameter of the guide side panel component parts to be held on the setting roller. This arrangement involves the problem that, 80 jig 6 can be set in position on the setting jig 6 and can especiallywhen the setting jig 6 is moved laterally, be transferred to the holding members 8 accurately.

the movableframe is shaky because there is a play When thejig 6 is retreated, the fixed support point gap between the guide roller and the width of the 21 a and the slide support point 20b on the jig base 6a long opening and thus accuracy in setting in position side are moved to the rearward side of the X axis is lowered. In contradistinction, in the illustrated 85 beyond thefixed support point 20a and the slide construction, as shown in Figures 10 and 13, the support point 21 b on the link base 18 side and the respective slide support points 20b, 21 b are formed respective support points 20a, 21 b on the link base 18 of supporting shafts 25,25 attached, through side are moved to enter recessed escape portions brackets 24a, 24a to sliders 24,24which are slidably 6al, 6a2 in the rear surface of the jig base 6a, as supported, through slide bearings 24b, 24b on guide 90 shown in Figures 9 and 1 Oc. In this waythe two bases rails 23,23. The rails are long and extend along the Y 6a, 18 are brought as nearto one another as possible, axis and are fixed to the repective bases 6a, 18, and and consequently the whole of the X link mechanism end portions of the respective links 20,21 are 16 is brought into a compact condition on the carrier pivotally supported, through bearings 25a, 25a, on 5. Accordingly the carrier 5 and the setting jig 6 can the respective supporting shafts 25,25. 95 be improved in stability, and the carrier 5 can be As regards the slide bearings 24b, fourthereof are moved at a high speed between the welding station 2 arranged so as to be in abutmentwith X axis and the set station 1, so that workability can be direction front and rearfillet portions formed on both improved.

sides of the guide rail 23. Each bearing 24b forthe In the Figures, numeral 26 (Figure 9) denotes a corresponding fillet portion is so constructed that, as 100 synchronizing shaft connecting between the X link shown in Figures 13 and 14, a large numberof mechanisms 16,16 atthe front and the rear.

bearing balls 24c are disposed in mutually In orderto make it possiblethat, atthe time of contacting relationships in the Y axis direction in an replacement of setting jigs, the setting jig 6 is endless rolling groove 24d in a portion of the slider brought downwards into a horizontal posture as 24thatfaces each fillet portion so that atthe time of 105 shown in Figure 8, the link base 18 is so pivotally sliding movement of the slider 24, these balls 24c supported on the carrier 5 as to be swingable move along the endless rolling groove 24d. upwards and downwards.

In the present construction, the respective slide In more detail, a pivotsupport point 18a of the link support points 20b, 21 b moved smoothly, without base 18 and the fixed support point 20a of thefirst shaking in the Yaxis direction, when theslide 110 link 20 are composed of a single common shaft, and movement of each slider 24 along each guide rail 23 the carrier 5 is provided thereon with bearings 27,27 is made in conjunction with the expansion and on each side as shown in Figure 9. Thefirst link20 on contraction movements in the X axis direction of the each side of each X link mechanism 16 is connected X link mechanism. Additionallythe load applied to a pivotshaft 28 supported on each bearing 27. The between the guide rail 23 and the slider24 is shared 115 link base 18 is supported, at each leg member 18b on distributively by a large number of bearing balls 24c each side of a lower portion thereof, on the pivot of the slide bearing 24b, so thatthe durability of the shaft 28 so that the two pivot points 18a, 20a are bearing construction is improved, and the accuracy formed by the pivot shaft 28. Additionally, a toggle in setting of the setting jig 6 in position is also link mechanism 29 is connected to the link base 18, improved. 120 by which mechanism the link base 18 may be moved in addition, the X link mechanism 16 is so arranged to incline.

that, at an intermediate position of the moving stroke The link mechanism 29 comprises, as shown in of the jig base 6a, as shown in Figure 1 Ob, the Figures 11 and 15, an upper link 30 which is pivotally mechanism is disposed in its most contracted attached, through a pivot shaft 30a, to a lower condition in which the first and second links 20,21 125 portion of the middle of the link base 18, and a are in alignmentwith one another on a common triangular lower link31 which is pivotally attached, plane crossing at right angles the X axis. Bythe through a pivotshaft31 a, to a rear portion of the expansiion operation moving forwards along the X carrier 5. In an ordinary condition, the lower link 31 axis direction from the mostcontracted condition, may be locked in an elevated position for keeping the and by the expansion operation moving rearwards 130 link base 18 in a raised condition by a lock member GB 2 191 740 A 5 32 moved bya lockcylinder32a of a piston and carried out.

cylinder arrangement provided on the carrier5. In the Figures, numeral 37 (Figure 12) denotes a Additionally, there is provided atthe setting station stop rod which is provided on a lowerside of the 1, a driving mechanism having a hook33 which is in driving cylinder 19for regulating the moving stroke engagementwith a roller31 b attached to a movable 70 of the setting jig 6, and numeral 38 (Figure 12) end of a lowerfront portion of the lower link 31. The denotes a cushion rod on the carrier 5 for receiving link31 is movable aboutthe pivot shaft 31 a such that thejig base 6a when the jig base 6a is brought down the roller 31 b advances and retreats along arc cam into its horizontal posture.

grooves 33b, 33b (Figure 11) in cam plates 33a,33a Having described the mechanism forthe lateral on both sides of the hook 33. If the locking operation 75 movement of the setting jig 6, a mechanism for bythe locking member 32 is released (unlocked) and moving the discharging jig 11 in the upper and lower the hook33 is moved to retreat, the lower link 31 may and lateral directions will now be described with be moved downwards, as shown by chain lines in reference to Figures 17 - 19.

Figures 8 and 11, and thereby the link base 18 may be The jig 11 is movable laterally along the X axis in moved to incline downwards aboutthe pivot support 80 slightly obliquely upward and downward directions point 30a through the upper link 30. In conjunction and is also movable upwards and downwards along therewith thewhole of the X link mechanism 16 the Yaxis crossing at right anglesthe X axis in the including thejig base 6a may be inclined same manner asthe setting jig 6.

downwards, in a similar manner, aboutthe support If the moving directions of the discharging carrier point 18a and as a resuitthe setjig 6 is brought 85 10 are assumed to be left and right directions, guide downwards in its horizontal posture. rails 10b, lObwhich are lying along the Y axis are The driving mechanism for inclining the link base fixedly provided on the left side portion and the right 18 is not provided on the carrier 5, but is provided on side portion of the guideframe 1 Oa extending the setting station 1, in orderto obtain an increase in downwardsfrom the carrier 10. The supporting the moving speed of the carrier 5 without increasing 90 frame 17 projecting forwards along the X axis from the weight thereof. the guide frame 1 Oa is slidably supported, at its In the Figures, particularly Figure 11, numeral 33d sliders 17a, 17a provided on both side portions denotes a guide rollerforthe hook 33 engaged in the thereof, on the guide rails 1 Ob, 10b. Left and right cam groove 33b, numeral 33e denotes a connecting guide rails 17b, 17b which are long along the X axis pin forthe cylinder 33c, numeral 33f denotes an 95 are fixedly provided on the supporting f rame 17. The operation confirmation switch forthe hook 33 that jig base 11 a of the discharging jig 11 is slidably cooperates with the pin 33e, numeral 34 denotes a supported, at itssliders 11 c, 11 c provided on a lower safety pin for restraining the lock member 32 in its surface thereof, on the guide rails 17b, 17b.

lock position, numeral 34a (Figure 9) denotes an The guide frame 1 Oa and the supporting frame 17 operation cylinderforthe safety pin, and numeral 100 are provided, at each middle portion thereof, with a 34b denotes an operation confirmation switch forthe first screw rod 39 which extends along the Y axis and safety pin 34. a second screw rod 40 which extends long in the X The driving cylinder 19 is so constructed that, as axis. A driving source 41 comprising an oil pressure shown in Figure 12, it extends forwards along theX motor is attached to a lower end of the guideframe axisfrom its rearward end connecting support point 105 1 Oa sothatthefirst screw rod 39 may be rotated in 19a on the carrier 5, and is pivotally attached, at its regular and reverse directions bythe driving source connecting support point 1 9b on a forward end of a 41. Afirst nut sleeve 42 is in screw-threaded piston rod thereof, to a longitudinal side portion of engagement with the periphery of the first screw rod the jig base 6a so thatthe connecting support point 39. A second nut sleeve 43 is in screw-threaded 1 9b may be brought into alignment with the axis of 110 engagement with the periphery of the second screw the pivot support point 18a, when the setting jig 6 is rod 40. The first nut sleeve 42 is inserted turnably retreated, as shown in Figure 16. Accordingly, if the from above through a boss portion 17c projecting setting jig 6 is retreated and the link base 18 is from a lower portion of a rearward surface of the inclined as mentioned above, thejig base 6a is supporting frame 17 and is prevented from coming turned in relation to the driving cylinder 19, aboutthe 115 off from the boss portion 17c by a nut42a appliedto connecting support point 19b which is in alignment the lower end thereof so thatthe sleeve 42 is with the pivot support point 18a, so that even if the restrained immovably along the Y axis in relation to cylinder 19 is forced to be kept under pressure in its the supporting frame 17. Additionally, a driving gear contracted condition so as notto expand freely,the 44 comprising a bevel gear isfixed to an upper end of jig base 6a can be inclined without being subjected 120 jthefirst nut sleeve 42, and is meshed with a driven to any restricting force bythe cylinder 19, and thus gear45 comprising a bevel gearfixed to a rear end of changeover of the posture of the setting jig 6 can be the second screw rod 40. The second nutsleeve 43 is carried out smoothly. fixed to thejig base 11 a through a holder 1 1d Underthe condition thatthe setting jig 6 is brought projecting from a lowersurface of thejig base 11 a.

down into its horizontal posture, a jig clamp cylinder 125 Additionally, the guideframe 1 Oa is provided with on a rearsurface of thejig base 6a and a jig lift upper and lowerfirst stop members 46,46for cylincler36 on a side portion of thejig base 6a are stopping the supporting frame 17 at predetermined operated and thereby attaching and detaching positions along the Y axisjor instance, at its upper operations of the setting jig 6 in relation tothejig end position and at its lower end position. The base 6a for replacement thereof with anew one are 130 supporting frame 17 is provided with front and rear 6 GB 2 191740 A second stop members 47,47 for stopping thejig released, and the first screw rod 39 is rotated again in base 1 la atpredetermined positions along theX the regular direction, wherebythe supporting frame axis, for instance, its advanced end position and its 17 is moved upwards along the Y axis through the retreated end position. first nut sleeve 42, and atthe elevated end position In more detail, there is provided on a rearsurface 70 thereof the transfer of the side panel W is carried out.

of the supporting frame 17, in addition to the lower Thereafterthe supporting frame 17 is restrained at boss portion 17c, an upper boss portion 17d the elevated end position, and the restraining of the projecting theref rom and loosely mounted on the jig 11 is released, and the first screw rod 39 isthen first screw rod 39. The upperfirst stop member46 is rotated in the reverse direction, whereby thejig 11 is brought into engagementwith the upper boss 17d at 75 retreated along the X axisthrough the second nut the elevated end position of the supporting frame 17. sleeve 43. Thereafter, the jig 11 is restrained at its The lowerfirst stop member46 is brought into retreated end position and the supporting frame 17 is engagement with the lower boss portion 17c atthe released from being restrained, and the first screw lowered end position of the supporting frame 17. rod 39 is rotated again in the reverse direction, These stop members 46,46 are so provided on the 80 wherebythe supporting frame 17 is lowered along guideframe 1 Oa thatthey may be projected forwards the Y axis through the first nut sleeve 42, so thatthe by respective cylinders 46a, 46a of piston and jig 11 is returned to its original position.

cylinder arrangements. The front and rearsecond As described above, the discharging jig 11 can be stop members 47,47, to be brought into engagement moved in the lateral direction and in the upper and with the holder lid on the lower surface atthe 85 lower directions bythe single common driving advanced end position and atthe retreated end source 41, so that, as compared with a casewhere position, are so provided on the supporting frame 17 respective driving sources are provided forthe thatthey may be projected upwards by a single lateral direction and forthe upper and lower common cylinder47a of a piston and cylinder directions,the moving mechanism can be made arrangement. Numeral 47b denotes a connecting 90 small-sized, at a low price and without spoiling the member which is cylinder 47a of a piston and movability of the discharging jig 11.

cylinder arrangement. Numeral 47b denotes a In summary the operation of the working line is as connecting memberwhich is arranged to be moved follows:

with the cylinder47a and is provided with the second Atthe setting station, component partsfor a side members47,47. Numeral 17e denotes a cover 95 panel are set, in upright posture, on to the setting jig covering thefirstscrew rod 39 and which is attached from one side thereof, and then the firstcarrier to the supporting frame 17. described is moved forward to thewelding station, if thesupporting frame 17 is restrained ata and these component parts aretransferred to the predetermined position along the Yaxis bythefirst holding members underthe condition thatthey have stop members 46,46 and thefirstscrew rod 39 is 100 been welded together temporarily bythewelding rotated bythe driving source 41, thefirst nutsleeve robots. Thereafter, these component parts are 42 which is restrained in the Y axial direction in additional welded by the welding robots to be relation to the supporting frame 17 is rotated, at a formed into a fully- welded side panel, and during fixed position, fast with thefirst screw rod 39, and this welding operation, the carrier is moved backto consequentlythe second screw rod 40 is rotated 105 the setting station so thatthe next setting operation through the driving gear44and the driven gear45, forthe nextside panel may be carried out. Because and thejig base 11 a is moved along the X axis the setting of the component parts of the side panel through the second nut sleeve 43. on the setjig is carried out with the component parts lf,the jig base 11 a is stopped at a predetermined in upright posture, the setting work of a worker can position along the X axis bythe second stop 110 be carried out without compelling the workerto take members 47,47 and the supporting frame 17 is an unnatural posture as is required wherethe released from being restrained by the first stop component parts have to be set in horizontal members 46,46, the rotation of the second screw rod posture.

is restrained, and the rotation of the first nut Additionally, in contrast with a casewherein the sleeve 42 connected thereto through the driven gear 115 side panel component parts are introduced into the and the driving gear 44 is also restrained so that welding station in horizontal posture, the holding thefirst nut sleeve 42 is moved along the Y axis in members and the welding robots can be disposed at accordance with the rotation of the first screw rod 39, the welding station positioned on one side thereof, and thereby the supporting member 17 is moved so opposite the setting jig, and as a result the width of thatthe jig base 11 a is given a movement along the Y 120 the welding station can be narrowed, and also axis. during the welding operation, the setting operation Next, the transferring operation of the side panel atthe setting station can be carried out Wto the sealing jig 15 will be described. simultaneously with the welding operation, and Firstly, underthe condition that the supporting therebythe workability can be improved, with time frame 17 is restrained at its lowered end position, the 125 intervals between operations minimised.

firstscrew rod is rotated in the regular direction, The side panel, afterwelding, is received, still in its wherebythe discharging jig 11 is advanced along the upright posture, from the holding.members on tothe X axisthrough the second nut sleeve43. Thereafter, discharging jig on the discharging carrier, and is thejig 11 is restrained at its advanced end position then conveyed bythe backward movement of the and the restraining of the supporting frame 17 is 130 discharging carrier, and thereafter is transferred, 7 GB 2 191 740 A 7 again still in its upright posture, to the sealing jig and wherein the X I ink mechanism is so constructed that, has sealing agent applied to it by the sealing agent at an intermediate position of the moving stroke of applying robot. thejig base,the respective links of theX link Owing to the fact that the side panel istransferred mechanism are broughtinto alignmentwith one tothesealing jig, it becomes possiblethat, during 70 anotheron a common planecrossing at rightangles the sealing operation,the discharging carrieris the moving direction of thejig base.

Claims (4)

1. moved backwardsto the welding station to be ready 5. A working line as

   claimed in any of Claim 2,3 for receiving the next side panel, and after the or 4, wherein the link base is so supported on the completition of the operations at the welding station carrier asto be swingable upwards and downwards, and at the sealing station, the side panel is conveyed 75 and a driving piston and cylinder arrangment for to the sealing station immediately afterthe expanding and contracting the X link mechanism in completion of the welding operation, and thus the the moving direction of the jig base is so provided working efficiency can be improved. between the jig base and the carrier that, at the In contradistinction to an arrangement wherein a retreated end position of the moving stroke of the jig railway for the discharging carrier and a railway for 80 base, a connecting point of the driving piston and the first carrier are disposed in alignment with each cylinder arrangement in relation to the jig base is other and in which, even if welding equipment brought into alignmentwith the axis of the pivot including welding robots is positioned concentrated support point of the link base.

   on one side of the railway, the sealing jig must 6. Aworking line as claimed in anyone of the largely protrude atthe sealing station, from the other 85 preceding claims and further comprising a side of the discharging railway, so that the whole of discharging carrierwhich is reciprocable between theworking line becomes large in the lateral width the welding station and the sealing station along a thereof; bythe present arrangement in which atthe railway which is offset sideways in relation to the sealing station, the application robot is disposed on railway forthe first mentioned carrier, this one side of the railway forthe discharging carrier, 90 discharging carrier bearing a discharging jig for and the sealing jig is disposed on the other side receiving from the holding members the thereof, and the railwayforthe discharging carrier is welded-together component parts remaining in offsetted sideways outwardly in relation to the upright posture, an application robotfor applying a railwayforthe first carrier, so thatthe sealing jig can sealing ageritto the parts and a sealing jig for be provided within a space which is an extended area 95 holding the parts being disposed at the sealing open ahead of the railway forthe first carrier, the station opposite one another and on both sides of width of the whole of the line can be narrowed and the railwayforthe discharging carrier so that, atthe the space utilization efficiency can be improved. sealing station,the component parts on the discharging jig may be transferred, remaining in CLAIMS 100 upright posture, tothe sealing jig.

   7. A working line as claimed in Claim 6, wherein a 1. A working line for motor vehicle body panels, supporting frame supporting for lateral movement a comprising a setting station and a welding station, jig base bearing the discharging jig is provided on there being associated with the setting station a the discharging carrier so to be movable upwards carrier bearing a setting jig on which component 105 and downwards whereby, by up and down parts of a motor vehicle body panel are settable in movements of the supporting f rame, the discharging upright posture from one side, this carrier being jig is movable upwards and downwards between an reciprocable between the setting station and the elevated position fortransferring the component welding station, holding membersforthe partstothe sealing jig and a lowered position component parts andwelding robots being so 110 located belowthe component parts held bythe provided atthe welding station positioned on one sealing jig.

   side of a railwayforthe carrier so that, atthe welding 8. A working line as claimed in Claim 7, wherein station, the component parts on the setting jig may the discharging carrier is provided with a first screw be transferred, remaining in upright posture, to the rod enlongated in upper and lower direction and holding members. 115 which is rotatable in regularand reverse directions
2. 2. Aworking line as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a by a driving source mounted on the discharging jig base to which the setting jig is attached is carrier, and the supporting frame is provided with a supported, through an X like mechanism, on a link second screw rod elongated in the lateral direction, a base provided on the carrierso asto be movable first nutsleeve pivotally supported immovably in laterally whereby, by a lateral movement of the 120 upper and lowerdirections in relation to the setting jig bythe X link mechanism, transfer of the supporting frame being in screw-threaded component partsto the holding member may be engagementwith first screw rod, and a second nut carried out. sleevefixed to the jig base being in screw-threaded
3. 3. Aworking line as claimed in Claim 2, wherein engagement with the second screw rod, the first nut each link of the X link mechanism is connected to 125 sleeve being meshed, at a driving gear fixed thereto, each of thejig base and the link base ata slide with a driven gearfixed to the second screw rod, and support pointthat is formed of a supporting shaft there being provided a first stop member for attached to a slider supported slidablythrough a stopping the supporting frame ata predetermined slide bearing on a guide rail fixed to each base. position in the lateral direction.
4. 4. Aworking line as claimed in Claim 2 or3, 130 9.A working line for motorvehicle body panels, 8 GB 2 191740 A 8 substantiallyas herein before described with referencetothe accompanying drawings.

   Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by Croydon Printing Company (UK) Ltd, 11187, D8991685. Published by The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A I AY, from which copies may be obtained.